The program helps farmers who are transitioning their land or livestock to certified organic status. It reimburses part of the cost to work with a USDA-accredited organic certifying agency during the transition period, which typically lasts 36 months.

In addition, farmers can request reimbursement for soil testing costs and registration fees to attend an organic education conference in Minnesota or a neighboring state.

Farmers transitioning to organic can receive a rebate of 75 percent of these eligible costs. The maximum payment is $750 per year for three years or until they achieve organic certification, whichever comes first.

Application forms for both the 2013 and 2014 programs and a set of frequently asked questions are available at www.mda.state.mn.us/organic or by calling (651) 201-6012.